The deputy speaker of the State Duma, Svetlana Zhurova, who is also an Olympic champion in speed skating, urged caution against labeling Russian athletes as traitors before any formal decisions by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have been made. The remarks emphasized restraint and fairness, noting that no agreements have been reached and that premature branding can distort the reality of evolving negotiations. Zhurova pointed out that taking aim at athletes before clear conditions exist is premature and unfair, and she urged observers to wait for concrete developments before passing judgment (source: sports24).
“I wouldn’t call our athletes traitors ahead of time. Nothing has happened yet. No one agreed and they are already branded. This is not true,” Zhurova said, highlighting the risk of sweeping labels in a rapidly shifting landscape. The comments were delivered in the context of ongoing discussions about eligibility and participation of Russian competitors, with a focus on preserving the integrity of sport while recognizing the concerns that come with geopolitical tensions (source: sports24).
Zhurova’s remarks came as IOC officials considered a nuanced approach to Russia’s participation. At a recent meeting of the IOC executive committee, guidance was circulated about granting neutral status to Russian athletes who do not actively support hostilities, while excluding athletes tied to law enforcement or armed forces from international competition. The deliberations reflected a balancing act between inclusivity in sport and political accountability, and they underscored the complexity of applying neutrality without compromising safety or ethics (source: sports24).
Historically, the IOC has repeatedly urged national federations to navigate carefully around participation by athletes from Russia and Belarus. In late February 2022, the IOC urged international sports bodies to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from most competitions, signaling a strong stance at the outset of the crisis. The current discussions build on that precedent, seeking to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining sporting standards and avoiding blanket bans that could penalize athletes who are not implicated in hostilities (source: sports24).
In discussing the latest developments, Kirill Yashenkov, a former vice-president of the Russian Rugby Federation, commented on the IOC’s decisions regarding Russian teams and athletes. The commentary reflected a broader conversation across federations about how to reconcile loyalty to national teams with the evolving rules of international sport. The overall tone suggested caution, and an emphasis on clear criteria for competition eligibility, to prevent a climate of presumption or punitive labeling in advance of formal action (source: sports24).